Panel passes bill to bypass Seattle on transpo projects

A bill that passed out of a state Senate committee Monday would keep the City of Seattle from having its say on big transportation projects like replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

On the same day that Seattle leaders touted a new, transit-oriented approach for the 520 bridge replacement that conflicts with the state’s preferred option, a state Senate panel passed a bill that would remove the Emerald City’s ability to have meaningful input on big transportation projects in town.

Senate Bill 6366 would eliminate the need to get some local permits for work on projects like replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the 520 Bridge and expedite work by eliminating waiting periods. The measure passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee. It would ultimately have to be voted on by the full chamber before being considered by the House of Representatives.

For years lawmakers outside Seattle have complained that the city’s overly-deliberative civic culture has hampered the ability to get things done. Others counter that the liberal city provides majority Democrats with the electoral support needed for the tax hikes to pay for such projects so policy makers should not force things on the city.